The Eastern & Oriental Express Returns—Now Featuring Two New Routes

After a four-year hiatus, the renowned luxury train is set to roll through Southeast Asia again in 2024, introducing exciting new routes. Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express, a companion to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and the Royal Scotsman, will restart its service in February with two fresh seasonal itineraries that include stops in Singapore and Malaysia. Here’s everything you need to know about this celebrated train’s return.

Available Itineraries

Essence of Malaysia Experience

The inaugural itinerary, the three-night Essence of Malaysia Experience, will launch in February and continue through November.

The round-trip journeys commence at Singapore’s Woodlands station, heading northwest while weaving through rice fields and quaint villages as the train journeys deeper into Malaysia. On the second day, passengers can disembark at Alor Setar station for an afternoon at Langkawi’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, located on an island a 25-minute boat ride away, where they can snorkel among vibrant parrot fish and moray eels.

On the third day, travelers will reach Penang Island, where they can choose from a variety of included excursions, ranging from cooking classes to an art-centric walking tour in the UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town. Before concluding their journey on the final day, the train will glide through Johor, known for its lush rainforests, before returning to Singapore.

Wild Malaysia Experience

The second itinerary, the three-night Wild Malaysia Experience, begins in April and concludes in October. Similar to the Essence of Malaysia Experience, the first day involves settling into the train as it departs from Singapore, the third day is spent in Penang, and the final morning allows passengers to enjoy the scenic views on the journey back to Singapore.

On the second day, guests will have the unique opportunity to spend the afternoon in Taman Negara National Park, a first for the train company. This park is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests and diverse wildlife, including water buffalo, macaques, and the critically endangered Malayan tiger. During this included excursion, visitors will engage with local organizations dedicated to protecting the tiger’s habitat. Additionally, guests can opt for a photography masterclass or participate in a jungle foraging expedition.

Onboard Experience

The train comprises 15 elegant green-and-gold carriages, featuring eight sleeper cars, two dining cars where guests can indulge in regional Peranakan cuisine—a delightful blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian culinary traditions—a piano bar, and an open-air observation car at the rear. Each carriage is adorned with cherrywood paneling, Malaysian embroidery, and luxurious Thai silks.

Travelers can choose from three cabin types: Pullman, State, and Presidential, all of which come with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

The Pullman cabins, for example, offer a couch that converts into a bunk bed, a small table, and a compact bathroom.

In contrast, the Presidential cabins feature two twin beds, a spacious sitting area and bathroom, welcome gifts such as caviar, a fruit basket, and flowers, along with complimentary champagne flowing throughout the journey.

Fares include a daily continental breakfast served in guests' cabins, a three-course lunch each day, afternoon tea, and a four-course dinner each night, along with all house wines, spirits, and local beer (premium beverages are available for an extra charge). Evenings feature complimentary entertainment, including traditional storytelling and live performances of Malaysian music.

How to Reserve Your Tickets

The starting price for both itineraries is $3,410 per person, and tickets can be booked through belmond.com.